Ep 16. Say Cheese

In this episode of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics, the theme is all about cheese. Ina Garten, the host of the show, shares her cheese-focused recipes that are perfect for entertaining friends and family.

The episode starts with Ina making her favorite cheese platter, which features five different types of cheese. She explains how to select the right cheeses, how to set them up on a platter, and how to pair them with different accompaniments such as crackers, fruits, and nuts. She also shares her tips on how to get the most flavor out of each cheese.

Next up, Ina shows how to make her baked brie with apples and figs, a perfect appetizer for any gathering. She cuts off the top of a wheel of brie and tops it with a mixture of diced apples, figs, and almonds. Then, she wraps the brie with puff pastry and bakes it until it's golden and gooey in the middle. Ina suggests serving it with toasted baguette slices or crackers.

Ina's next recipe is her herbed ricotta bruschetta, which is a perfect light lunch or snack option. She mixes ricotta cheese with fresh herbs such as basil, oregano, and thyme and tops the mixture on toasted baguette slices. She finishes the dish with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.

For the main course, Ina prepares her penne with five cheeses, which is a decadent pasta dish that will satisfy any cheese lover. She combines five types of cheese: fontina, cheddar, parmesan, goat cheese, and gorgonzola, and melts them into a creamy sauce. Then, she tosses cooked penne pasta with the sauce and finishes it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

For dessert, Ina makes her chocolate and cheese cake, which is a unique combination of two favorite ingredients. She starts with a chocolate cake base and tops it with a mixture of cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and lemon zest. The cake is then baked until the cheese mixture is set. Ina suggests serving the chocolate and cheese cake with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.

Throughout the episode, Ina shares her tips and tricks for working with cheese, such as how to grate it properly and how to prevent it from getting too greasy. She also emphasizes the importance of using high-quality cheese, which can make all the difference in the final dish.

Overall, this episode of Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics is a cheese lover's dream. Ina Garten shares her favorite recipes featuring cheese, from an impressive cheese platter to a decadent pasta dish, and finishes with a unique chocolate and cheese cake. Whether you're hosting a party or looking for a cozy night in, these cheese-focused recipes are sure to impress.